Main Entry: meta·mor·pho·sis
Pronunciation: met--mr-f-ss
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural metamor·pho·ses /-f-sz/1: a change of form, structure, or substance especially by witchcraft or magic2: an extraordinary change in appearance, character, or circumstances3: the process of basic and usually rather sudden change in the form and habits of some animals during transformation from an immature stage (as a tadpole or a caterpillar) to an adult stage (as a frog or a butterfly) -- compare COMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS, INCOMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS